Max. picta x tenuifolia; is this a new bulb or spike?
 

I got this hybrid from Orchids for the People a few months ago, and assumed it would take a while to flower or put on much growth. So what am I seeing here?

These can flower on a rather small plant. I can't see the new "thing" in the photo very well, I suspect a new growth but could be wrong. Patience...either one would be great.

Does this help? Or at least give enough to tell me which angle I should try to get better shots from?

I'm mostly just excited for the possibilities, the only "concern" as such is which parent it's going to grow like.

The second photo, definitely a new growth. I'll be very eager to see what the flowers look like... for me, both bloom in the spring (March/April for Max picta, more like May/June for Max tenuifolia though can bloom more than once)

Definitely a new growth! Buds (at least on Max tenuifolia) are not as elongated and don't have such a sharp point.

Interesting that your tenuifolia blooms so much later than mine Roberta! Mine is usually blooming by late April. I'll be curious to see what it does this year, as all my winter blooming orchids seem to be running 1-2 months behind schedule this season...

Camille,
Since I grow outside, the cold probably slows mine down. Also, the way my yard is oriented, there's not much direct light until late February or early March. So that's probably a factor in bloom time as well.